Simply Faithful: The in between

It happens to all of us, this in between. We aren’t quite settled where we are, but we aren’t sure what the next step is. So, we’re in between.

You know that tired, old phrase about how when God closes a door He opens a window? Well, that’s fine unless you’re in the hallway, the in between.

It’s not so bad if it’s over quickly — if the hallway from the living room to the kitchen is short. But when it starts to feel like you might as well pitch a tent in the in between? Well, that’s when I start to wring my hands and question. That’s when I start to whine and complain.

And that’s when I have to refocus on one of my favorite parts of the Bible where it says to think about things that are true and lovely. Things that are right and pure. Noble. Admirable. Excellent and praiseworthy.

Several years ago I wasn’t happy with my job but the places I had applied to were taking forever to get back to me. I felt like my entire life was on hold. I was stuck in the in between and the in between was full of nervousness and worry.

For me, the way out of worry like that is to make a list of what is true and what is lovely. What is admirable and excellent.— It was true that I had a steady job that covered the bills.— It was true that I had a decent amount of experience and would likely be able to find a new job.— It was true that God was with me and for me.— It was true that my family loved me and was there to offer support.

Do you feel the shift? It is easy to be deceived in the in between because it feels like your foundation is shaky. You aren’t emotionally settled in one place. But focusing on the truth means focusing on the One who built the foundation. The One who calms the storms. The One who loves us and wants the best for us.

— Marketta Gregory is a former religion reporter who can’t stop writing about what is sacred and holy. She is a native of Oklahoma but makes her home in Rochester, New York, with her husband, two crazy boys and one very vocal Pomeranian. Find more of her writing at SimplyFaithful.com or check out her book, “Simply Faithful: Finding the Sacred in Everyday Life.”